Designed to safely transport Medicaid patients to and from their doctor’s visits, non-emergency transportation services such as LogistiCare and Southeastrans are among two systems in Georgia that are supervised by Georgia’s Department of Community Health. However, for the millions of patients and families that rely upon these taxpayer-funded systems, there are a growing number of cases in which elderly, vulnerable patients are being injured.
In one case, a patient fell to the ground when their stretcher flipped over as they were being pulled out of the transportation vehicle. Yet another case describes a frail diabetic woman that was thrown to the ground when her wheelchair was not properly secured in the vehicle. Without question, these types of accidents can result in devastating injuries and even death for patients that are already suffering, not to mention some that are too weak to stand.
The bottom line when it comes to these claims is that many of these accidents could have been avoided. That’s why it’s important to contact a non-emergency medical transport injury accidents lawyer if you or a loved one has been injured as a result.
Injuries And Accidents During Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)
While the state of Georgia requires that transportation providers and drivers receive appropriate training related to wheelchair safety, first aid, defensive driving and sensitivity training for Medicaid rides, some providers leave it up to the drivers to stay up to date on training. What’s more is that with the growing demand of rides needed, LogistiCare and other transportation providers contract with smaller companies to help accommodate patients. Often, drivers working for smaller companies barely make above minimum wage, and some do not receive adequate training. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why many patients are at risk for serious injury or even death.
In effect, as a growing number of injury reports surface, fingers point in all directions. Who is to blame? From ill-equipped drivers to failing taxpayer-funded transportation systems to the Department of Community Health, there are many opinions. Unfortunately, for victims and families, the result is the same—they are left hurt, injured or worse.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a non-emergency medical transport accident in Athens or a surrounding area, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Burnside Law Firm can help. To discuss your personal injury issue in a private, confidential consultation, contact us today.
